31 Art Deco Wedding Ideas for a Jazz Age-Inspired Celebration

black and gold bar with art deco lattice detail — Photo by Adriana Rivera

You have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing your wedding theme. From regal or romantic to boho or even literature-inspired, there are so many ways to infuse your personality into your big day. If you're a lover of all thing vintage (and a diehard fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby), an Art-Deco inspired wedding that embraces the art and architecture design movement of the 1920s and early 1930s may be the perfect fit.

Though they were dubbed members of the lost generation, the artists of the Jazz Age era were certainly on to something. Their arresting designs, full of distinctive silhouettes, sharp geometry, and extravagance, still stand the test of time—and as today’s couples have proved, the period still holds up today when it comes to event design. Art Deco influences in weddings have evolved into more subtle touches, often receiving a modern refresh that only enhances its charismatic aesthetic.

A classic black and gold palette will always hit those Art Deco notes, but so does a smoky gray resin with lavish accents or bright white, greenery, and some gilded glitz and glam. Geometric décor may get a lot of attention in a clean, modern palette, but you can also use it to your advantage with gold triangles or diamonds as a ceremony backdrop or hanging centerpiece to showcase the strong, bold lines of the period. Alternatively, break out the 1920s typography on your paper goods and signs for a realistic feel, add subtle vintage accessories like a bar cart or gilded candle holders, and incorporate the flappers’ drink of choice: Champagne. And don’t forget to book a vintage getaway car to ride off into the night after plenty of dancing!

Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite Art Deco wedding ideas to inspire your own.

01 of 31

Create a Geometric Ceremony Backdrop

outdoor wedding ceremony altar with gold triangles hanging down — photo by Daybreak + Dusk Photography

Geometric shapes are a highlight of Art Deco design. Why not showcase them front and center? This geometric ceremony altar with floating gold triangles is a nod to the precise and clear lines of the style and is sure to serve as the ideal backdrop while you share your vows.

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Set the Table

wedding place setting with gold and black flatware — photo by charla storey

One of the simplest ways to embrace a theme is to choose small details for your reception tables that are a match. Consider black and gold flatware paired with a black and gold place card for a cohesive look.

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Mix Vintage and Modern Candle Holders

Black and gold tablescape with tall gold candlesticks and white candles and flowers — Photo by Rouxby Photography

Embrace luxury and choose a lavishly designed table. A black tablecloth with tall gold candlesticks is the perfect base for plenty of white flowers for added texture and interest.

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Infuse Gold Detailing

wedding table setting with crystal glassware with gold details — photo by Haley Rynn Ringo

Not interested in a full gold and black color palette? Keep it simple! Look to small details, instead. Glassware with gold rims or tiny bud vases are a stunning fit.

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Choose Black and Gold Chairs

wedding reception table with gold and black chairs — photo by ivash studio

Art Deco style is all about luxury and beautiful design. Embrace the theme while making a bold statement. Gold chairs with black velvet seats are the perfect match for a decked out reception table.

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Create a Lounge with Velvet Details

wedding lounge with velvet couch and gold tables — Photo by Alexis June Weddings

Planning to dance the night away? A luxe lounge space with plush pillows, velvet furniture, sequin accents, and heirloom designs is the ideal place for guests to rest their feet.

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Go for White and Gold Invites

art deco wedding invitations with gold font and design details — Photo by Michele Beckwith; invitation design by The Aerialist Press

If Art Deco had a minimalist take, this is it. Set the tone for your wedding with a simple, chic invitation in white and gold that puts a modern twist on Art Deco’s strong geometry.

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Use a Vintage Bar Cart

Vintage bar cart at wedding reception with crystal glassware — Photo by Chellise Michael Photography

Set up a stylish spot for guests to grab a drink, or simply make a décor statement. This gold bar cart is a beautiful nod to the era, complete with crystal glassware and simple blooms.

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Try a Typewriter as Your Guest Book

Typewriter guestbook at wedding on wood table — Photo by Unique Lapin

Skip the standard guestbook and use an option with a vintage twist. A typewriter set up as a guestbook is sure to add plenty of charm to a wooden table.

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Decorate with 1920s-Inspired Linens

outdoor wedding reception table with patterned tablecloth and gold chairs — Photo by Stevan Levya Photography

Tablecloths are usually underrated, but this 1920s-inspired linen featuring the patterned curves and lines of the Art Deco era steals the show. White and burgundy florals throw in more texture to enhance the stylish look.

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Pick Round Table Numbers

Rounded black table numbers at wedding reception with gold font — Photo by Michael & Carina

Planning to incorporate a classic Art Deco font into your table number design? Round table numbers will complement the robust font, adding a subtle touch of black and gold to a grand tablescape.

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Play With Patterned Plates

wedding place setting with gold patterned plate and lace tablecloth — Photo by Tec Petaja Photography

The opulence of the 1920s is brought to life in a romantic place setting of gilded flatware, plates featuring an intricate pattern, and a menu with the standard Art Deco sunburst in this design. All set against a lace canvas, it screams luxury.

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Place Plenty of Crystal

wedding reception table with a black tablecloth and a lot of crystal glassware — photo by ivash studio

Crystal glassware immediately brings a vintage touch to any reception table. But to match the Jazz Age vibe, it's okay to go a little over-the-top. This table incorporated a mixture of crystal glassware and centerpiece details to pop against a black tablecloth.

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Jazz up Your Cocktail Stirrers

wooden cocktail stirrers with vintage photograph details — Photo by Scott Andrew Studio

Why not incorporate small simple nods to the era? Cocktail stirrers stamped with phonographs are sure to pay homage to the favorite tunes that came out of the Jazz Age.

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Display Quotes from the Great Gatsby

Gatsby themed sign at wedding reception — Photo by Scott Andrew Studio

Take a page out of Fitzgerald's book with nods to The Great Gatsby. We love the idea of incorporating quotes like this, whether on top of a minimalist seating chart or incorporated into small details such as menus or on cocktail napkins.

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Make a Statement with Geometric Shapes

gold geometric hanging decor — Photo by Elaine K. Garland Photography

Embrace geometric shapes in unique ways. Consider a statement chandelier made up of gold three-dimensional shapes, or even hang them from trees throughout an alfresco reception space.

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Add a Majestic Ice Sculpture

monogram ice sculpture at wedding reception — Photo by Rouxby

Choose an opulent touch, but keep it sleek. A majestic ice sculpture featuring a custom monogram and the bold lines of the era makes for one unique reception centerpiece.

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Stack a Champagne Tower

couple pouring champagne into champagne tower glasses at their wedding — photo by Haley Rynn Ringo

Including coupes in your glassware selection will immediately bring a nod to the Roaring 20s. Why not take it one step further with a champagne tower? We love that this couple chose to incorporate golden coupes for extra flair.

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Go Bold with Your Cake

black and gold art deco wedding cake on a white tablecloth — Photo by Madison Lee Cakes

Bold and dramatic, this sleek cake takes on Art Deco in the most grand and lavish way. It features a black base with intricate gold detailing to truly command attention.

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Pair Brass Candlesticks with Contemporary Details

Wedding centerpieces with gold candlesticks and bud vases — Photo by Bowtie and Belle Photography; design by Daisy Says I Do.

Rather than completely imitating the era, this reception table intertwines its elements into a subtle, contemporary style. Brass candlesticks, a simple and elegant table number in a gilded frame, and foliage nestle together for a beautiful centerpiece.

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Create a Beautiful Bar

wedding bar with draping and gold and black details — photo by Haley Rynn Ringo

Make a statement by setting up a beautiful bar for the occasion. This bar certainly fit the theme with lush velvet draping, custom black and gold signage, and an eye-catching backdrop filled with crystal glassware.

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Add Gold Bows to Your Chairs

wedding reception tables with white draping and chairs with gold bows — Photo by Carla Atley Photography

Looking for an elegant twist? Sparkling chandeliers, white draping, and chairbacks adorned with gold bows make this reception roaring-party ready.

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Glam Up Your Signage

Vintage inspired wedding signage with black font and gold details — Photo by Tec Petaja Photography

Dinner and dancing—exactly what lovers of the 1920s ordered. Opt for custom signage embracing Art Deco bold lines and classic sunburst motifs. Display each sign on a gold easel for an extra special touch.

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Wow With Your Welcome Table

wedding welcome table with gold vases and white flowers — photo by Brian D. Smith Photography

Set the tone from the get-go with a lavish welcome table. One duo chose to embrace metallics to the fullest with large gold vases and blossoming floral arrangements.

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Make a Grand Exit

couple kissing next to vintage black wedding getaway car — Photo by Jose Villa

Plan the perfect exit (and get a great photo op!) with a getaway car. A vintage black car is sure to be the ideal fit.

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Pair Vintage and Romantic

wedding reception table setting with gold plates and flatware with pink and purple flowers — photo by Brian D. Smith Photography

While Art Deco certainly embraces clean lines and a black and gold color palette, don't be afraid to make it your own. This reception table design stuck with a mostly-gold color palette with pops of soft pastels for a romantic touch.

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Bring in a Jazz Band

three member jazz band with instruments in black suits — photo by Erika Delgado Photography

Live music at your wedding can truly serve as a special addition. To fit the Art Deco theme, consider bringing in a jazz band. A three-member band may be just what you're looking for to play your favorite vintage tunes.

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Choose Black Bridesmaid Dresses

bride and bridesmaids in black dresses walking down stairs — photo by ivash studio

Want to make a statement with your color palette? Incorporate plenty of gold throughout your décor and ask your bridesmaids to wear black dresses to complete the look. We love how this bridal party stuck with a consistent color while infusing personality with each of their dresses.

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Create Contrast

wedding place setting with white chargers, black plates, and gold glassware — photo by jessica mangia

Bring the drama to your reception table with one simple idea. Choose white chargers and top them with a black dinner plate. This pairing, along with gold glassware, will create beautiful contrast at every setting.

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Choose Blue

wedding place setting with gold and white plates and a blue menu on a velvet blue tablecloth — photo by Phillip Van Nostrand

Black and gold is the classic color palette for an Art Deco wedding, but that doesn't mean you can't switch things up. One couple chose to incorporate a beautiful blue hue in their reception table design with a velvet tablecloth and gold foil printed menu to match.

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Deck Out Your Cake in Gold

five-tiered white wedding cake with gold flower details and leaves — photo by k.r. moreno; cake by sweet heather anne

Don't be afraid to dress up your cake for the occasion as well. This five-tiered confection stood tall at an indoor wedding. The addition of delicate white sugar flowers and gold painted details make it shine for an Art Deco wedding.

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